What’s the Difference Between Their, They’re, and There?

Answer 1

This is a common question! They're, their, and there sound exactly the same, but they each have different functions in a sentence.

THEY'RE

"They're" is a contraction...similar to "can't" or "don't." While "can't" expands to "cannot," and "don't" expands to "do not"...they're expands to they are. At first, it helps to ask yourself when writing, "Does this instance of they're/their/there make sense if I expand it to 'they are?'"

Here are some examples of they're in a sentence:

1. At first glance, they're surprised to see that Elliot has left the room.
2. I'm not sure if they're supposed to be working on the project or doing their homework.
3. Where you annoyed that they're asking too many questions?

THEIR

The word "their" implies possession. Something that is mentioned belongs to the pronoun "them." Similar to how something that is hers or his belongs to the pronoun "her"or "him." You can identify possession by seeing if the context implies belonging to.

Here are some examples of their in a sentence:

1. Their school is going to delay opening due to the snow storm.
2. I'm not sure if they're supposed to be working on their project or doing their homework.
3. It was clear by her frustration that their questions were annoying her.

THERE

There refers to a place. You are familiar with the word "here," which is also a non-specific way of referring to place, and there is a similar word. You can safely use this form of their/there/they're if you look at the sentence and see that the word is referring to a location. It can also be a vague way to reference or introduce something (example, there are too many bees).

Here are some examples of using "there."

1. He left the ball over there because he was too tired to pick it up.
2. There is too much homework to work on to begin the project right now.
3. We can eat lunch when we get there.

Hopefully that helps! There are plenty of commonly confused words in the English language, and I'm always happy to break them down for you.

Answer 2

Although their, they're, and there are a common point of confusion, the difference is straightforward once you learn the specific role each word plays. Getting these details right is crucial for crafting the polished essays needed for highly selective applications.

Their (Possession)

Their is a possessive pronoun. It shows that something belongs to a group of people.

Memory Trick: The word heir is inside "their," and an heir is someone who inherits possessions.

Examples:

1. "The applicants for Columbia University double-checked their essays for any grammatical errors."
2. (Explanation: The essays belong to the applicants.)
3. "Their extracurricular activities demonstrated a strong commitment to community service."
4. (Explanation: The activities belong to them.)
5. "All the students were proud of their high SAT scores."
6. (Explanation: The scores belong to the students.)

They're (Contraction)

They're is a contraction, which is a shortened form of two words. It always means "they are."

Memory Trick: The apostrophe (') is taking the place of the letter "a" in the word "are." If you can substitute "they are" into the sentence and it still makes sense, you're using it correctly.

Examples:

1. "My top candidates are so impressive; they're all likely to be accepted to Yale."
2. (Explanation: This means "They are all likely to be accepted...")
3. "They're hoping to get a campus tour at Princeton next month."
4. (Explanation: This means "They are hoping to get...")
5. "Once the decision letters are released, they're going to be very nervous."
6. (Explanation: This means "They are going to be...")

There (Place or Idea)

There typically refers to a place or location. It can also be used to introduce a sentence or state the existence of something.

Memory Trick: The word here is inside "there," and both words refer to a place.

Examples:

1. "The admissions office is over there, in the oldest building on Harvard's campus."
2. (Explanation: "There" is indicating a specific location.)
3. "There are thousands of talented students who apply to the Ivy League each year."
4. (Explanation: "There" is used to state the existence of the students.)
5. "I hope to go there for my undergraduate studies."
6. (Explanation: "There" is referring to the university as a place.)

Answer 3

This one trips up lots of learners, and even native speakers sometimes!. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Their → possessive adjective (shows ownership)

1. Means: belonging to them
2. Example: That is their house.
3. Think: If you can replace it with my/our/your, use their.

2. They’re → contraction of they are

1. Means: they are
2. Example: They’re going to the park. (= They are going to the park.)
3. Trick: Try expanding it to they are. If it works, you need they’re.

3. There → refers to a place or is used to introduce something

1. Place: The keys are over there.
2. Introduction: There is a book on the table.

Answer 4

So simple!

Their - a pronoun with two pronouns in it: HE and I (and if you are rich: heir! haha)

There - a place - with HERE (another place) in the word

They're - a contraction (see the apostrophe?) they (hiccup take out a add ') re

BOOM!

Answer 5

📚 What’s the Difference Between Their, They’re, and There?

These three words sound the same, but they have different meanings and uses:

1. Their 👉 shows ownership (possessive)

1. It tells you that something belongs to them.
2. 📝 Example: Their dog is very friendly.
3. (The dog belongs to them.)

2. They’re 👉 is a contraction of “they are”

1. You can always try replacing they’re with they are to check!
2. 📝 Example: They’re going to the park.
3. (They are going to the park.)

3. There 👉 refers to a place or position

1. It can also be used to start a sentence.
2. 📝 Example: The book is over there on the table.
3. (Talking about a location.)

🧠 Easy Trick to Remember:

1. Their = possession (👨‍👩‍👧 their shoes)
2. They’re = they are (🗣 they’re happy)
3. There = place (📍 over there)

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